Archer Stotts, 86, of Oklahoma City, devoted husband, beloved father, a man loved and respected by all who knew him, a man who epitomized love and service, a man who walked humbly in the strength and grace of the Lord, departed to be with Christ on February 10, 2015.
Archer was born on December 1, 1928, in Houston, Texas, to Virgil and Jewel Stotts. He grew up in Oklahoma City, attending Taft Junior High and Classen High School. He was was a star athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and track, graduating in 1947. He married his high school sweetheart, Maryland Hawkins, in 1949, celebrating 66 wonderful years of marriage. Their children, Gay, Diane, and Tom were born and raised in OKC. Archer served in the U. S. Army at the rank of First Sergeant with the 45th Infantry Division, Service Company 179th Infantry in Korea. He earned the combat infantryman's badge, the Korean Service Medal, and the commendation ribbon with medal pendant. After his service, Arch returned to OKC to his wife and two daughters. Their son was born four years later. His lifelong career in commercial construction began at Robberson Steel in the late 1950's and McGhee Building Corporation in the mid 1960's, joining Stoldt Builders in 1970. C. J. "Bud" Stoldt and Archer formed a partnership, Stoldt-Stotts, Inc., in 1970. Arch retired in 2009 at age 79 as a highly respected and successful builder. He loved his work and all the Stoldt-Stotts employees, he loved his family, he loved the outdoors, he loved his many lifelong friends, and he loved serving his local church. His entire life was characterized by love, service, care, generosity, joy, and giving – and by his remarkable smile. Parkinson's Disease began manifesting shortly before his retirement and Archer's six-year battle against it was well-fought.
Archer is survived by his wife-sweetheart-lover-valentine, Maryland; daughter Gay (husband Tim Greeno), daughter Diane (husband Mike Williamson), son Tom (wife Cindy Stotts), granddaughter Wendy Caperton, great-grandchildren Jolie and Cole Caperton, brother Stan (wife Bobbie Stotts), sister Ramona (husband Mervin Boyd), sister-in-law Carol Stotts of Arkansas, several beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and life-long friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charlie.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to caregivers Georgia Wheeler, Kofi Semakor, Patricia Dominguez, personal trainer Matt Shields (Integris Pacer), Integris Home Health workers, and the wonderful staff of administrators, nurses, caregivers, physical therapists, food service providers and all other caring employees at Bellevue Health and Rehab in OKC, as well as the Centennial Hospice Caregivers. And they bow their knees in thanks to their Redeemer, knowing that they will join Archer in the Lord's presence at their appointed times.
Services to celebrate his life will be 2:00 pm, Friday, February 13, 2015 at First Southern Baptist Church at 6400 S. Sooner Rd with reception to follow. A family burial will follow the next day at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery.
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